Desert tones: how to decorate with burnt orange

If you’re thinking about re-decorating, then using orange as a keynote may not currently be at the top of the list. You might think it’s too bold a statement, or you might be put off by the memory of some ill-advised shagpile carpeting in the 1970s. Now, though, orange is back topping the trends list. We’re not talking dayglo Jaffa this time around, but burnt orange – a subtle terracotta shade that bridges the gap between orange and dark red.

Using burnt orange will add depth and warmth, and works particularly well in north-facing rooms or those that don’t have much natural light. Using a lamp with a burnt orange shade will cast a cosy, intimate glow in dining rooms and bedrooms, while velvet and wool throws in burnt orange create an instant feeling of opulence and luxury.

All colours have ‘moods’ associated with them – think how light and airy a bright spring green or yellow make a room feel. Orange supposedly stimulates sociable feelings and appetite, so if you want to re-do one room in nothing but burnt orange, then the dining room is the obvious choice!

Burnt orange is a difficult colour to use in large stretches as it can become over-powering, so use it as an accent colour and team it with something else. It works surprisingly well with all shades of blue (turquoise if you want to make a statement, duck egg or navy if your taste is more conservative), and looks great with all shades of grey as well.

We’ve picked out a few of our favourite ways of using burnt orange as an accent colour – just steer well away from tangerine and fluorescent brights!

1. Unfold flexible silicone pendant light, Muuto

Unfold flexible silicone pendant light, Muuto

Amazingly, this pendant light looks like a classic metal industrial lamp but has a flexible shade made from moulded silicone rubber which gives a modern, matt appearance. It comes with an opal acrylic diffuser and colour coordinated cable, and if you get tired of it, it will fold up flat for storage! Was £155, now £139.50, available from Rume. Also available in other colours.

2. Tourron orange stoneware jumbo cup and saucer, Jars

Tourron orange stoneware jumbo cup and saucer, Jars

Part of a range, this jumbo cup and saucer will make a statement on any kitchen shelf. It has a matt brown exterior and eye catching orange glaze inside, and will help get any morning off to a flying start! £30, available from Abode Living.

3. Silk road stripe terracotta wallpaper, Arthouse

Silk road stripe terracotta wallpaper, Arthouse

Perfect for dining rooms, studies, snugs and even cloakrooms, this statement wallpaper takes inspiration from hand-crafted tribal patterns. This design is brought to life in a strong spice and ochre colour palette for a statement that’s bold without being overpowering. £16.99 a roll from WallpaperDirect.com.

4. Poet sofa in Luxor orange, MYFurniture

Poet sofa in Luxor orange, MYFurniture

Create a centrepiece for your sitting room with this iconic sofa, based on a classic 1941 Danish design by Finn Juhl. Features include solid oak legs, angled for a retro look, and sleek, curved lines. There’s also a matching armchair available. The two seater sofa costs £569.99 from MYFurniture.

5. Zilo dining chair in russet orange, Danetti

Zilo dining chair in russet orange, Danetti

This sleek and stylish chair is covered with fabric, so combines texture with a minimal, contemporary profile. The legs are in matt black, so overall this chair should be easy to coordinate with existing furniture. Also available in a range of other fabric colours, the Zilo chair costs £69 for one and is available from Danetti.